"Good job, Nidorino~"

With an encouraging manner Cain complimented his Pokemon, as he knocked out an Arcade Star's Furret with a super effective Double Kick. His opponent called her fainted Pokemon back and send out her last remaining one-a Bayleef- and ordered to use a Growth powered Magic Leaf, hitting the Poison Pokemon, after it got poisoned with the first Poison Sting.

Nidorino went for Focus Energy, increasing his chances to land critical hits easily, shotting another Poison Sting at his opponent afterbthat. However the attack- despite having a type advantage against Grass Types- wasn't enough for Bayleef to be knocked out in one hit and recovered most of it's health with Synthesis, while Nidorino went for another Focus Energy for another critical hit. After Bayleef barely managed to dodge Nidorino's attacks, but fell unconscious thanks tothe poison status.

Despite having earned his 4th victory, it was also his 2nd close one with luck due to the difficulty of these trainers. These trainers called "Pro Aces" (Pokemon Trainers, that volunteered to help rockies or average trainers through their journeys and train them everyday in the Grand Hall) are 2 steps ahead any beginner; though not at the same level as the majority of most Gym Leaders, but they had strong Pokemon and different tactics for rematches, similar to the former minus the Field Effects. This proved a challenge to the two young trainers who wanted to help the citizens and stop the floral disaster, as they would sometimes lose a match because of mistakes (like out of inpatieness or rashness).

So in order to improve themselves, they decided to take turns with the Pro Aces: One is battling and the other is watching the battles and taking notes for the improvement.

However as it was Victoria's turn to take the notes, she had something else in mind, judging how she carefully looked at the paper. She appeared to be in deep thoughs, due to seemingly focusing more on the paper than studying the battle betweenCainand Carol. Not even noticed, that the battle even had ended andCainwas walked towards her.

"Hey Vicky, what did you wrote here?" It doesn't look like the notes from the battles, you supposed to do."Cainlooked over the written small paper, that had these following phrases:

1#priority: to quench the floral overgrowth in Obsidia Ward.

Current situation:

• A mini-foresthas formed in Obsidia Park.

• MoreGrass Pokemon is inhabitingthe Obsidia Parkthan usual.

-- Perhaps this is the epicenter of the overgrowth?

• Only access through the Obsidia Slums due to mainstreet being blocked and damaged by the vines.

Potentialcauses:

• Some huge Grass Pokemon? Maybe too much overgrowth for just one.

•A large group of Pokemon? Perhaps they're unhappy about something?

•A grass type legendary? They don't usually appear in crowded cities, but their power would likely be sufficient to cause the massive overgrowth.

"So that's, what you catched from eavesdropping before, didn't you?"Cainsaid in a low whisper, as he took the note in his hands and sat on a chair across Victoriawiththe latter nodded in agreement "Even though Obsidia Ward must be a mess right now, at least some pokemon might've gotten the best out of it, since they found refuge in the mini-forest."

It was a oddly funny feeling enough, that these Pokemon would have something to hide and live despite the current situation Reborn City was for years. It wasn't a suprise to see small amounts of Pokemon roaming around the city- mostly Pocheyeenas, Purrloins, Pidgeys, Rattatas or evena few discoveredEspurrs-, but he would sometimes see a few of them dying at some corner or even in puddles of water or mud, which were hardly treated as any news from the majority of apathetic city citizens, despite the efforts of others trying to save them.

"Exactly. And that's what we're do something about this." Victoria said, whileCainhanded her the note back and her expression changed into a worried one. "However there's a small problem: At the east of Opal Ward, they are two police officers guarding the entrance to Obsidia Ward and I doubt, they'll let us pass in. And we don'tevenhave any Flying type Pokemon or some invention, that can transport or fly us above."

Suddenly an idea popped inCain's mind, as he began to recall something about Julia calling someone over the phone just after she handed him his first badge. She sounded very worried and somewhat angry- for someone pretty positive and cheerful person- at that moment and talked about some disturbance in the Underground Railnet underneath the city (which were already closed due to the horrific damages caused by the earthquakes years ago). Then 2 days later in his hotel room in Coral Ward, he read the daily newspaper about rumours that in the railnet's deephs, that people are participating in drug dealing, trafficking and even arms dealings! They even found evidence with a few empty cages, two burned boxes, that had a sickly sweet smell on them and a bunch of traumatised Mareeps, their wool shaved and with injuries on their thin bodies, as they were probably starved for some time.Julia took them all under her wig and had placed them in her gym until they recovered, before wanting to give them a better home.

Though the majority of the citizens ignored these "so-called stories", but the poison lover felt alarmed and disgusted upon hearing this, especially for these poor Mareeps. Be it fake or not, these are still horrified crimes, that he wants them to never exist in his life. And he feels bad for anyone, who fell victim to these crimes and deep hatred for the culprits, who caused such cruelty around.

"Hey Vicky, perhaps there is a way."Cain's voice went low, just only Victoria could hear him now "Underneath the city... Is the Underground Railnet, that was abandoned years ago, which is connecting to the entire city through various tunnels and secret passages." This was enough for Victoria to be on full ears, but remained silent and slightly clutched the fabric of her tailcoat dress.

"ButCain..."Afrownappearedon her expression,as she though about it "If I remember correctly, most of the railnet's routes are broken thanks to the earthquakes. Besides isn't the railnet already too old now, enough for something to collapse a top of us?"

"Yes it's true, but it's rather better than being caught by thepoliceand doing nothing at all. And it's the only opinion for us or else Obsidia Ward will be turned into an entire forest or even worse."

The apprentice remained silent, yet she feels getting goosebumps upon hearingCain's words. At the one moment, she forgot about the situation and he's right about it. However she knew from Kiki, that the Underground Railnet is notorious for their current state and even heard people doing unspeakable things at night, which raises some red flags. Normally staying away from danger sounds the ideal plan but, -likeCainsaid- there was no other option left.

"Okay, I'll trust you on that one. But I hope, you know where are you going, right?" She added with some hope despite her small worry,hopping, he knows the way at least.

Meanwhile somewhere in an unknown place

A tired Espeon was currently laying underneath the bed, where she and her trainer currently resident in their room, with the only light source beingcomputerscreens showing the results of the floral overgrowthin Obsidia, Jasper and Beryl Wards. The silhouette of the Espeon's trainer was shown as depicted on the walls; illuminating a shadowy figure of herswith tangled and messy hairand was sitting on a rolling chair. Things are going according to the plan, as two city wards already felt into the merciless vicinity of the PULSE-Pokemon within a span of only 30 minutes, an impressive record. However the last ward seemed only to suffer from immense overgrowth and the Obsidia Park was turned into a mini forest with some fissures around the area, instead of the full damage the two formers got as the her superiors wanted. This also resulted many Pokemon- be it Grass, Bug types or not- inhabiting near the forest, where also "PULSE 05-C" currently controls anything around the forest, as it became apparently weaker despite the massive amount of damage it made just before.

"Pathetic waste." A female voice spoken in an indifferent tone, as she crumbled a report about said Pokemon into a ball, throwing it right into the trash bin next to her left. At least "PULSE 05-A" and "PULSE 05-B" were doing perfectly both in stats and their results were far better than the first former. However a small part of her wanted just to stop continuing this any longer, but she couldn't. She knew it was impossible, as it was written for her since 3 years...

She let's out a frustrated sign and changed her mind into thinking about cleaning her room she completlyneglected as much with her appearance on these days. Just as she stood from her seat, the lights suddenly went on, causing the girl to shut her eyes and rub them for some seconds to adjust to the sudden change of light. From the corner of her eye, she spotted an Umbreon running inside her room and right next to Espeon; the latter gave a soft noise, as the Dark Eeveelution nuzzled her face and lies next to her.

"Hey Eve! Is Lumi with you? I can't find her inany rooms!" A loud male was heard not so far away, as soon she heard his heavy breathing; implied having been running for awhile in these quarters.

"Again? That's the second time in this week now." She spoke in her indifferent voice, while putting two boxes aside. "But I'm sure, she did at least brought her Pokemon with her, so there's no problem about that."

She turned around to come face to face with a slightly older young man. His black messy hair- which covers his left eye- reached slightly more his shoulders and wears a grey sweatshirt, black sport pants and a pair of white socks. His right yellow eye- twitching a bit- made a direct contact with her dark blue eyes, as she took a few steps towards her, standing a few inches away from her.

"She should be with us and not outside, especially now these days! She should be there always on our sight, Eve! Her condit-" The young man narrowed his eyes, giving a dangerous gleam underneath his darkened expression.

"Calm yourself down, Zero. Lumi already knows this already. I was the one who told her to go outside, because we needed some food. So I sentherto the Obsidia Department Store." The girl identified as Eve cut him off in a calm tone, unfazed by his temper. "And like I said before, she has her Pokemon with herfor protection. No need to worry, again."

This managed to calm him down as his expression softed for a bit and his shoulder relaxed, making a direct line towards the bed and sat on it. Umbreon and Espeon emerged from underneath with their heads turned at Zero for a second, before going further inside to have their shared moment together in peace.

Feeling satisfied with his reaction, Eve resumed her work,continuing putting all boxes aside and start to take the trash bag from the bin. "Maybe you can start helping me by tidy my room. It could ease your temper, you know."

But Zero simply rolled to face the wall and groaned as an answer, just wanting to lay on the bed. This earned Eve a small chuckle. Such moments like these shouldn't be taken for granted, so she enjoys them as much she can, before continuing a work she was fatefully signed for years ago...

"Okay, Vicky, the coast is clear. You can come now and be quick."

Victoria's steps were between a fast and slow pace, as they were nearing Julia's gym, withCainbeing already a few steps ahead and her looking around in case someone was here and would get them caught, despite being ensured by the boy he'll find an excuse if this would happen. Maybe it was due to the dim light around the place and the eerie silence, which made her worry and not thatCainwould make something stupid?

Or maybe you're worrying too much because of the situation and you need to get yourself together!A part of her snapped her out of her thoughts, causing her to go forward, whereCainwas possibly ahead of her.

Once she got in the battle area, where she fought Julia for her first badge, it looked much different than the last time she was here. No banners, no light streamers and the yellow platforms were instead a grey colour, making the place look like it lost it's spark. However she could figure out the same loungue beans and Julia's lazy couch lying around the left corner; staked one on other and a broom a top of them, leaving the impression that someone had cleaned the area and shut down the machines and any other electronics. Althought it was better than being nearly blinded by too much bright light.

Soon her eyes darted on the left corner of the area, where Cain is currently heading upstairs to a door and she quickly hurries as well, catching him up as he opened door, much to their suprise. As soon the two young trainers entered the small corridor, they were confronted by two surprises- one good and the other bad:

The good suprise was the right side on a window screen, where some Mareeps were kept in a orange nursery room- all covered in patches and bandages, but well groomed and fed, as Victoria pointed out two almost empty bags of PokeSnax and some bathing tools on the table. Cain's lips formed a small smile on his face, looking relieved that they were safe and sound in Julia's care.

However as Victoria turned her head to another window screen on the left side, the same Julia was also sleeping on a yellow rolling chair, her head on a small pillow on a table in the monitor room. Wasting no time, Victoria grabs Cain's right wrist and quickly guides him to the central door with the sign "Lower Peridot Underground Area", trying her best to be careful not gasp from the shock and fear of getting caught now, although she seemed to be too sleepy to notice them.

Once they managed to carefully close the door (another unlocked one) behind them, they headed downstairs in what it seems like a tunnel like hallway and catch a small break.

"Ooohh... I though my heart just s

unk at the bottom of my pants for a moment. Phew, that was close." Cain signed in relief, as he leans against the wall for a moment, while Victoria was busy looking at a metal sign.

It was somewhat old and little rusty, yet the red letters were big enough to be readable, following these directions:

Current Location: Lower Peridot Underground Area

Left Side: Peridot Underground Area

Right Side: Obsidia Underground Area

Looking at the sign for a few seconds for a more focused memory to remember that. "Cain, let's go now. I found a way for Obsidia Ward." She gestured him to follow her, while pointing at the sign for him to understand the meaning.

"Then it's set then." Cain smiled, as he adjusted his bag and took Nidorino's PokeBall from his pocket, gripping it tightly in his hand.

5 minutes later

The way through the empty right path was eerie and worrying for Victoria, despite the fact Cain was with her and they had their Pokemon with them as well... However she was a few steps behind Cain due to taking a slow pace. She tries to focus on the current situation, but the path seemed so endless, it made her worry how much it will take. She lowers her head, as questions were filling her head, feeling as she loses her focus on the path and stops right in the middle of it as she heard tormented short questions in her mind.

Are we still here?Are we here yet?Please make it quick.Please, please not like-

"Are you okay, Vicky?" She could hear Cain's voice interrupting her thoughts, as she lifted gaze, only to see him standing in front of her "You look... kinda scared."

"Me? Ah no, I'm not. I just heard something and that's all." Victoria quickly composed herself, her voice sounding seemly calm "That's all."

Luckily Cain seemed to be convinced with her answer, judging by a small nod and calling her to hurry up. Part of her wished, that she could hold into him until they got outside, but it would be a little embarrassing and she must be strong to face the overgrowth issue. She quickly keeps up with Cain, quietly taking a few deep breaths to calm herself down and channel out anything negative feeling around that place. She already had horrible memories around such familiar places like caves or dark places since that incident from many years ago, where it still wouldn't go away from her head.

Suddenly her eyes spot a sign above them. A sign with the words "Obsidia Underground Area", causing Victoria's heart to skip a beat and started to walk faster until she arrives infront of a grey door and immediately opens it. A fresh breeze soon hit her face and she calmed down, but this short lived moment wasn't good enough for her to fully calm down, knowing what would come next, once they step foot in Obsidia Ward.

"We're finally here, Cain. Get ready." Victoria spoke in a determined voice, as she took two PokeBalls, which contained Ralts and Combusken.

"Already prepared" He chimed, showing her Nidorino's PokeBall, before calling the Poison Pokemon from the round object, as it let out a small cry of the same determination as Victoria's.

And with that, the two young trainers and their Pokemkn entered the overgrowth infested ward, ready to let a helping hand for the citizens and the two ambassadors of two distant regions.

A/N: Good evening my readers! I hope you're doing well on these cold days of autumn.My apologies for the long time, since the last chapter months ago. I was busy with family and work with my schedule being too full and messy, which left me little time for the Chronicverse series. I'll try my best to work on my schedule and uploading more frequently, but cannot promise it daily.But I finally managed to publish the opening of Chapter 8 for Obsidia Ward. With E19 coming nearer as ever, it also motivated me along with encouragement to write the series,so I had to catch up even with the game as well.Feedback is always appreciated :)